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What you don't know can cost you time and money when it comes to selling your house. The best source of information is your real estate agent, and we've put together a growing list of helpful resources about the home selling process. When you're ready, call The Hartery Group at 856-912-2973 to discuss how we can help sell your house.

Selling a house doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Doing a bit of preparation before you place your house on the market can prevent delays and give you peace of mind.

Find the Right Real Estate Agent

One of the biggest challenges you may face when attempting to sell your home is finding a qualified real estate agent that you like. Keep in mind this will be a relationship that is necessary to maintain until your home is sold. Being capable of completing a real estate transaction of this magnitude will primarily rest on the expertise of this person and having the right connection. Being aware of other steps to help you get your property sold quickly is ideal.

Staging Your Home for Buyers

You will need to make your home as inviting and attractive as possible to help attract potential buyers. Of course, you may need to make some minor modifications that allow this to happen.

2. Use neutral colors throughout the home with pops of color via throw pillows, decor, and small pieces

of art.

3. Organize closets, pantries, cabinets, and drawers.

4. Place green plants around the home to give it a radiant energy.

5. Place outdoor furniture in natural, conversational settings.

Set the Right Asking Price

Most people are on a budget when it comes to finding a place to live. The price you ask initially for your home will play a huge role in being capable of completing this transaction without delays.
The good news is when you have a real estate agent to assist you with this task, you may get the amount you’re asking for your home. The chance for success is because your real estate agent can help you set the correct asking price due to a comparative market analysis.

Accepting an Offer

Once a buyer contacts you with an offer for the home, you will have the right to do three things. Of course, if you think the amount is high enough it’s a good idea to agree to this price.
On the other hand, if it’s too low, you can make a counteroffer. This means asking more for your home than was offered. The other thing you have the authority to do is simply decline the offer entirely.

What Happens After You Accept an Offer

Once the offer is accepted, you will need to schedule the closing. This is a meeting with the buyer and your real estate agent to sign the necessary documents and close the deal officially.

What to Expect on Closing Day

You’re sure to be excited when the day finally arrives to close on your home. However, paperwork is a must do before you can walk away from the closing table.

1. HUD-1 settlement statement – This document is required by federal law and is an accounting of all the money that is part of this transaction.

2. Certificate of title – You will need this piece of paper to prove you have the authority to sell the home.

3. Deed – This shows that you have paid off the home in full and you’re the legal owner.

4. Loan payoff – If you do still owe money on the property, this will show what you is still owed to the lender.

5. Mechanic’s lien – This documentation will show that it’s impossible for any lien to be placed on the property.

6. Bill of sale – Having a paper that verifies all the prices of the entire transaction is necessary.

7. Statement of closing costs – You will need to sign a statement that proves you agree to all the fees and costs involved during the closing.

8. Statement of information – Be sure to take verification of your identity, such as a driver’s license or passport.

Getting your home sold is sure to be your goal when you have it listed. By knowing the necessary steps involved, this can make this task less challenging for you.

Your real estate agent is the best source of information about the local community and real estate topics. Give The Hartery Group a call today at 856-912-2973 to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale.

Staging a home means creating an atmosphere designed to appeal to the largest number of buyers. Some sellers go so far as to hire a professional to stage their home, but you can stage your home relatively quickly. Of course, all sellers want to get as much as they can from the sale of their home, and staging is a way to emphasize a home’s assets while minimizing any perceived flaws. Additionally, potential buyers should be able to picture themselves living happily in the home.

The basics include clearing the clutter, making certain colors are neutral, and everything is clean. Here are some ideas that will assist you in staging your home without having to remodel or make major purchases.

Curb Appeal

When looking at a home, first impressions count, and that’s why you should consider the curb appeal of your home. Trim any trees or shrubbery that need cutting, and of course, keep the lawn in top shape. Plant colorful annuals to add visual appeal and make the home seem inviting. Often, potential buyers may interpret a messy looking yard as an indicator of deferred maintenance of the home, and this could be a deterrent.

Kitchens

Staging the kitchen should begin with a thorough cleaning of all surfaces, appliances, drawers, and cupboards. Buyers will open drawers and appliances, and you want them to be impressively clean. Counter tops should be mostly clear; remove any small appliances. Remove any personal items; including photographs and lists from your refrigerator.

Bedrooms

When staging bedrooms in your home, the master bedroom is certainly the most important to consider. If a bedroom is large, a chair or two may be fine but do not leave your home office in your master bedroom; bedrooms should be a space dedicated to rest. A headboard is a good way to define the space. Decorate the space in a single-color scheme.
Stage children’s bedrooms, too. As with the rest of the house, children’s bedrooms should not be cluttered or overly personal. Having décor that is child appropriate is fine. Keeping the room gender neutral is a plus.

Bathrooms

As with kitchens, deep clean all bathrooms. Nobody wants to see spots on the mirrors or discoloration in the grout. Surfaces should be cleared of toiletries and any personal or grooming items. Most of us cannot afford to remodel an outdated bathroom, but updating hardware can elevate the look of a bathroom, and hanging luxurious towels from the towel racks can give the impression of a boutique bathroom.

Living Rooms

When staging your living room, keep in mind that it should appear cozy and comfortable but still neutral. It is, however, a good idea to brighten neutrals with pops of color in throw pillows. Live plants can brighten the space. Arrange furniture in such a way as to create conversation areas. You want potential buyers to be able to envision themselves enjoying and entertaining in this room.

Keeping Your Home Show Ready

Staging your home is one thing, but keeping it ready to show on short notice is another. This can be a challenge, especially if you are still living in the home. The best you can do is stage the home, get organized, create a specific cleaning schedule and stay on top of things. If possible, store any personal items or things you can live without off-site. Keep the kitchen and bathroom especially clean. Also, ask your real estate agent to give you sufficient notice before showing the home so that you can do any last-minute cleaning up.

Staging a home can seem overwhelming. But with these tips, you are certainly able to stage the home yourself.

Your real estate agent is the best source of information about the local community and real estate topics. Give The Hartery Group a call today at 856-912-2973 to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale.